Charles de Gaulle

Latest public position

Public summary

Charles de Gaulle is France's sole nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and the centre of the French carrier strike group. Its purpose is not simply to embark aircraft, but to give France a sovereign sea-based air-power option for deterrence signalling, crisis response, strike operations, air defence and coalition command alongside escorts and support ships. The class is also a programme hinge for the future French carrier replacement, because its Rafale M and E-2C/E-2D style air-wing model defines the capability France intends to preserve.